Local gatherings savor the moment

Viewers share food as they watch history.

Viewers share food as they watch history.

January 21, 2009|By HOWARD DUKES Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Jesse Limon had two of his three sons by his side as he watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama on a giant television at the West Side Democratic & Civic Club. His oldest son, Elijah, 7, was in school. "We came out (on Nov. 4) for the election results on the night of the election, and I think it's really important for my sons to understand the significance of taking part in the election process even though they are not old enough (to vote)," Limon said. Limon said he realizes that his youngest son, Ian, 3, might not remember much about the day. The middle boy, Ashton, 5, probably will remember a little more -- even if it's just that the popcorn tasted good. "Still, I think it's important for my kids to see this," Limon added. The crowd in the hall was diverse, and it grew larger as the scene on the TV moved from the commentators' analysis to the events. Yvonne Sneller, a resident of Mishawaka, thought about what Obama's inauguration meant to her 23-year-old son. "I think this will be a serious shot in the arm to him," she said. "He's had some serious problems in his life, and he needs to see that he can be whatever he wants to be." Stephanie Spivey, a South Bend Community School Corp. board member, said her thoughts went back to the men and women who died fighting for voting rights. However, Spivey also thought about the black boys and girls who attend schools in South Bend and other communities. "I can't put it into words," she said. "It truly shows them that they can do anything they want to be." Tim Hudak, president of the club, said this is the first time in recent memory that the club has held an event like this. "I believe this club should do these kind of activities because these are important activities," Hudak said. He looked at the mix of ages and cultures in the room, and noted that these people came together to watch a black man be inaugurated as president of the United States. "For one thing, we've come to the point where race is not so much of an issue," he said. "There's still some tension, but it's getting better." Dan Ramsby, another South Bend resident, said things will continue to improve if citizens heed Obama's call to service. "I think Americans are going to respond to that call," he said. Chili was the meal of choice at the Charles Martin Youth Center. More than 100 people sat down and watched the ceremony on three televisions. One of them, Niles resident Cindy McCall, said she wanted to be a part of a community. "I just wanted to share this moment with friends and family because it's a moment I never thought I'd see." David White, a South Bend resident who took his lunch hour at the youth center, said one word entered his mind immediately after Obama took the oath: "Wow!" White then said, "It finally happened." That joy is tempered by the challenges confronting the new president, and White is keeping his expectations realistic. "I just want to see him do what he is capable of doing, what God allows him to do and what needs to be done." Larry Redding, a Clay High School student, wanted to see the entire ceremony. "If I had stayed at school, I would have missed most of it walking back and forth to class," Redding said. The barbers at Al's House of Style prepared a spread that included red beans and rice, greens, baked and fried chicken, and cornbread. Owner Al Carothers said the barbers understood the significance of the day and realized that many patrons would want to watch the ceremony at the place where they come to discuss politics. "Through the years, we've had some great times being together," Carothers said. "People stop by to talk even if they're not getting a hair cut." James Williams took the day off from his job to watch the inauguration, and he agreed that there is no other place he'd want to be than Al's House of Style.